Aftershave for an allergic, sensitive-skinned, unscented, un-modern sort of fellow?

[Djehuty]

Hullo,

I need an aftershave balm or lotion of some sort, as the cheap supermarket witch hazel I'm using right now doesn't quite do the trick. The trouble is, I have no idea where to begin. I have allergies and chemical sensitivities, so I've shunned any sort of fragrance all my life. Now I'm using Van der Hagen glycerin shave soap and a splash of witch hazel afterward, and experiencing the odd sensation of smelling like something other than plain old me in the mornings. And the odder sensation of rather liking it.

So, I definitely need something to help calm and heal my skin after shaving, as I always suffer some irritation. I have annoyingly sensitive skin. It needs to be hypo-allergenic, or reasonably close to it. And then there's the scent. I'm not really sure what direction to go with this. I have fond memories of my grandfather's Old Spice and Aqua Velva, but I also have fond memories of his Vitalis and that's not going to happen, ever. (BrylCreem, on the other hand....)

I'm not a terribly modern sort of chap, so any of the new whiz-bang fragrances the young hip set prefers are right out. I'm looking for something classic, maybe 1940s or '50s in origin at the latest. Something a fellow might wear under a fedora. But also something which either isn't terribly strong or may safely be diluted, as I don't want to be olfactorily perceptible from a distance.

Any thoughts?

 

[justinp]

Have a look at Ogallala Bay Rum line of aftershaves; they're alcohol-and-witch-hazel based splash with a classic lineup of scents.

I'd recommend the Bay Rum, Limes, and Peppercorns scent. Or the Bay Rum and Sandalwood... or the plain ol' Bay Rum. They're all pretty good.

 

[BladeDE40]

I would recommend the Nivea sensitive asb, or the Proraso asb...both are very effective at fighting razor burn and both are pretty neutral regarding the scent...plus if your still is that sensitive you might want to avoid anything that is heavily fragranced.

 

[bacardipr05]

Hows about a good quality Aloe Vera Gel or Liquid not the stuff you pick up at your local Wal-Mart. This should help with Razor Burn and be neutral in smell. I can recommend Lily of the Dessert Aloe 99%.

 

[luvmysuper]

How about plain old Witch Hazel?
Astringent, Antiseptic, Anesthetic, no added scent (though it does have its own distinctive smell), pretty "natural" stuff and only about $3.50 for a 16 oz bottle.

I'm talking about plain old Witch Hazel, not the fancy scented production stuff.

 

[Djehuty]

Thanks for the advice!

After reading reviews of the products suggested, I've placed an order for the Ogallala Bay Rum, and will shortly do the same for some Proraso aftershave balm. I'm guessing the first one will clarify the issue of fragrance for me -- if I can't stand this highly regarded, all-natural scent, then I need to step back to unscented or very close to it. And even if I hate it, at least I'll have a nifty bottle in which to keep witch hazel.

I'll also check out the Nivea, since I should be able to get that locally.

 

[MikeLip]

There is, as always, only one right answer. Speick!

 

[Ronan the BARBERian]

Musgo Real After shave Balm

 

[DErminator]

Maybe 444 Aftershave Balm? Cheap, effective and no scent.

Here is review: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=117362

 

[MikeLip]

Musgo Real After shave Balm

Musgo does rather stay around though.

 

[Ronan the BARBERian]

Musgo does rather stay around though.

The Splash yes, the balm not so much

 

[The Last Chimney]

Pre de Provence and Musgo Real are the two most soothing balms I have ever tried. They both have very pleasant, subtle scents that unfortunately (for me) fade very quickly.

I'm sure you would be happy with either one of them, but I'd recommend Musgo Real just because I think you'd like the scent better.

 

[honed]

Maybe you should stay away from alcohol if you are really sensitive?

I use Jason's "All natural balm" regularly & love it.

Nivea Sensitive is also a great balm, widely available & cheap & effective!

 

[Jwolf24601]

Thayer's Unscented Witch Hazel

 

[Djehuty]

Thanks, that's a few more to look for.

So I tried the Nivea today, and discovered that I had forgotten I'm allergic to sandalwood. At least, I'm pretty sure it's sandalwood -- when I've encountered it before, it has been described to me as such. It was not a pleasant rediscovery. So I'm really hoping the Ogallala folks only put sandalwood in the "Bay Rum and Sandalwood" version of their aftershave.

Now that I think about it, this is the main reason I've gone unscented for the last two and a half decades. Sandalwood is (or used to be) one of the most popular fragrances.

What about the Speick, Proraso, Thayer, 444, and the rest? Safe from sandalwood?

 

[alabamalawyer]

It's not cheap but AOS makes an unscented gel AS that is very nice. I keep a bottle in my rotation and it works very well.

 

[chop-chop]

Try Mama Bear's Aftershave:
http://mamabearssoaps.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3&zenid=847f25a2ce07ce9d7b76fc5d5945d9c1
I would also recommend e-mailing Sue beforehand to see if she has any recommendations specifically for you.

Ciao!
chop-chop

 

[drandall]

i'd recommend one of the thayers alcohol-free witch hazels. they're good for calming irritated skin. they don't burn and yet can give you a bit of scent.

personally, i use the cucumber, but i've heard the lavender is very nice too

 

[Bluebeard]

I would recommend the Nivea sensitive asb, or the Proraso asb...both are very effective at fighting razor burn and both are pretty neutral regarding the scent...plus if your still is that sensitive you might want to avoid anything that is heavily fragranced.

+1 for Nivea ASB. I have nothing but praise for this particular ASB!

 

[Obsessed]

Proraso Liquid Cream After Shave. It's very soothing and has a very light, barbershop-type fragrance that does not linger.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=P&t=1390